Page 45 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“Well, my dear Melisa, I do love you. So much more than I ever thought possible,” Oliver replied as he leaned over and kissed her head. Then, they pulled the covers over each other and held each other close while the swaying of the ship lulled them to sleep.
Chapter 24
Though Melisa was looking forward to finally being off the dreaded ship, she wasn’t looking forward to seeing her mother again. No matter how many times her father reassured her that her mother’s temperament had settled, Melisa wasn’t sure whether she could believe him until she saw it for herself.
It was early in the morning when the packet ship docked on the Thames, allowing the passengers and crew a final opportunity to disembark. Oliver and Lord Stanton were quick to hail a coach large enough to take them back to his residence. Lord Stanton had insisted on them all coming to stay with him, and Melisa couldn’t deny that she did look forward to seeing her old room again.
Now that she was back in England, she was curious to know what had happened to Miss Thorsten and Mr Lockwood. But as they were all ushered off the ship and into the waiting coach, the December air rather frigid, all Melisa could think about was staying warm.
“Not like Southern Italy, is it, my dears,” Signora Davone said with a laugh, causing her daughters to join in with her. Melisa was pleased that the Davone family were still in high spirits after their long journey and arrival in England during its coldest month. The four ladies huddled together on one bench, using their bodies to keep warm as the men made quick work of securing their trunks.
After a while, the gentlemen joined them in the coach before the driver set way to the Stanton townhouse. “Just a short trip through town and we’ll arrive at home once more,” Lord Stanton said cheerfully as he looked at Melisa.
“I am sure that Mother has kept every fireplace aflame. I know how much she distastes the cold,” Melisa agreed, looking forward to a warm room and a hearty meal. After four weeks of rations and salted pork, she longed for a traditional English meal.
As they journeyed to the other part of town, Melisa enjoyed watching the Signornias look eagerly out the window, pointing to different buildings and shops. She had to admit that she was looking forward to debuting them during the next Season in spring, and that she’d get to show the young ladies all her favourite dress shops in town. She even wondered if her own mother would join her in the experience, or if the woman would be too embarrassed to be seen with her in public.
As Melisa settled back into her seat, she wondered what society’s current opinion of her was. It was the one thing that she was dreading the most by returning to England. Even if she was considered a lady of society with Oliver claiming his father’s title, would that be enough? Melisa sighed at the very thought of being shunned by society if she was going to debut the Signornias properly.
Melisa’s thoughts were interrupted as the coach came to a stop in front of her familiar home. Melisa looked out the window at the building, thinking she’d never imagined returning to this place ever again. But as the footman came to open the door, Lord Stanton was quick to usher her out first.
“Let’s tell your mother the good news together,” Lord Stanton said as he escorted Melisa up the walkway. Melisa looked over her shoulder and watched as Oliver waved to her, a smile on his face. It seemed that everyone was excited for her when deep down inside she feared her mother’s reaction.
Mr Moses was at the front door as he opened it for them. A bright smile was on his face as he welcomed his master home. But his voice was soft as he pointed down the hallway. “The lady of the house is in the drawing room,” he said with happiness dancing across his face to see his master home again. They quietly thanked him before Lord Stanton led on, leading Melisa by the arm to the drawing room.
The moment Lord Stanton opened the drawing room door and allowed Melisa to stop through, Lady Stanton was on her feet in a lash, wrapping her arms around Melisa as sobs tore through her. “Oh, my sweet child. I never thought I’d see you again,” Lady Stanton cried as she clung to Melisa.
Melisa was surprised by her mother’s show of affection, never having received many hugs from her mother in the past. Melisa folded her arms around her mother as the woman wept, afraid that this moment would be short-lived. But for the longest time, Melisa stood with her mother in the drawing room, their arms wrapped around each other as Lady Stanton cried with joy.
“Come, Mother, let us sit,” Melisa said softly after a time. She could hear commotion in the foyer and knew that the others would be arriving soon. But as Melisa turned her head to see where her father had gone, she realized then he’d left them, closing the drawing room door behind him.
Melisa ushered her mother to a settee and took a seat next to her, her hands still in hers as they sat together. “My goodness, you’ve grown so much,” Lady Stanton said as she raised her hand and placed it tenderly on Melisa’s cheek. Melisa didn’t know what quite to say so she simply smiled at her mother, noticing grey hairs mixed with her long brown hair. They simply looked at each other for a time, Melisa noticing the plain gown her mother was wearing compared to her normal attire. That was when Melisa glanced around the drawing room, noticing that many of the ornate decorations and vases were no longer in the room.
“Mother, there is much change to the house,” Melisa commented as her eyes settled on her mother once more.
“Indeed, my dear. Your father and I had to make some financial decisions in the aftermath of being shunned by society,” Lady Stanton admitted.
“I’m so sorry, Mother. I never intended to cause so much harm,” Melisa said then, feeling truly sorry about how it had affected her parents, even though she never regretted escaping with Oliver.
“There is no need to be sorry, Melisa. Your father and I are the ones who should be apologizing to you. We certainly didn’t listen to you when you tried to warn us about that devilish man. Society was hard to us when the Duke broke off the engagement and ruined our family name. It was even worse when he was discovered in that young lady’s bedchamber and sent to the Tower. Though there have been some who’ve pitied us,” Lady Stanton explained. All Melisa could do was nod her head as she listened to her mother.
“But that is all behind us now,” Lady Stanton said happily while she dried her face on a handkerchief. “You are home now, and from what your father has written to me, it sounds like you are happily married.”
Melisa couldn’t help smiling as she nodded her head. “Yes, Mama. I have married Lord Quinn, though he was only a pianist when we first met,” Melisa said as she thought of her loving husband.
“I will admit that I was rather cross with you when we first learned of the matter, but it seems that all has turned out well in the end,” Lady Stanton admitted as she patted her daughter’s hand.
It was then that Lord Stanton returned with the rest of their travelling party. Lady Stanton and Melisa stood together as they were presented with the Davone family.
“Mother, may I introduce you to Signore and Signora Davone of Italy,” Melisa introduced. Lady Stanton curtsied before the couple, a bright smile on her face.
“Thank you, Signore and Signora Davone for taking such good care of my daughter while she travelled with her new husband,” Lady Stanton said with tears in her eyes.
“No thanks is needed, Lady Stanton. Lady Quinn was a great service to my family in educating my two young daughters. May I present Signornias Gabrielle and Vivian,” Signore Davone replied as the two young ladies curtsied to Lady Stanton.
“What beautiful young ladies,” Lady Stanton commented with a dip of her head. “You must all join us for dinner this evening.”
“We’d be honoured,” Signora Davone replied with a smile. Melisa then gestured to the Davone family that they should have a seat, allowing Oliver to come forth and greet her mother.
